Minden Opera House Announces 26-27 Season
(Minden, Nebraska) The Minden Opera House, a center for visual and performing arts in Central Nebraska for over 25 years, is pleased to announce its 2026-27 Season slate of events. Executive Director Marcy Brandt states, “We are proud to be a living representation of what this community can do when it pulls together behind a unified purpose. With Minden preparing for its 150th anniversary next summer, we look forward to not only bringing some fantastic arts experiences to the community to celebrate this historic occasion, but being a gathering place for many of the events being planned.”
The season kicks off October 17th with Revelation: A Tribute to Journey. This Kansas City-based tribute band recreates 1980s-era Journey concerts, featuring lead vocalist Danny Wayman, who emulates Steve Perry’s vocal style. They play crowd favorites, "Don't Stop Believin'" and "Faithfully" among many other hits in the Journey catalog. Tickets are $35.
The remainder of the season promises to be full of variety and exciting new performances. See details below.
NOVEMBER 13 – The Toasted Ponies 7:30 pm Adults $20/ Students $10
Sponsored by Bill & Nancy Langford in honor of Jack & Donna Tubbs.
Lincoln-based The Toasted Ponies combine the best of both traditional and contemporary Bluegrass music. They will play everyone’s Bluegrass favorites along with a fun mix of Cajun, Western Swing, Gospel and Celtic tunes just to keep things exciting.
DECEMBER 19 – Polar Express Family Event 6:00 pm Adults $8 / Ages 8 & under $3
The annual event begins with the reading of the “Polar Express” book by a professional storyteller. At the conclusion of the storytelling, cookies & hot chocolate are served (along with a special appearance by Santa Claus) with the feature film following the refreshments. The event is geared toward families with children ages 4th grade and under. Children are welcome to bring their pillows and come dressed in their pajamas for this evening of Christmas magic. An earlier show might be added.
JANUARY 30 – Colten Wyatt 7:30 pm Tickets $25
Presented by 1st Bank & Trust Company. From the heart of Lincoln, Nebraska comes a sound that feels both brand-new and right-at-home. The Colten Wyatt Band blends country, gospel, southern rock, and classic Americana into a high-energy, harmony-rich experience built for dance floors, county fairs, street dances, and packed-out ballrooms across the Midwest.
FEBRUARY 12 – David Anthony 7:30 pm Tickets $20
A native of Cleveland, Ohio, David Anthony started his love of magic when he was five years old and his uncle got him a magic kit. He shared his love as a performer for the first time when he was twelve years old. He worked vigorously on his show with the help of Rodney Whitlock, the owner of a local magic shop. He attended his first magic convention when he was fifteen years old. Since then he has won competitions with his award-winning act, “A Tale of Serendipity.”
JULY 24 – Minden Exchange Bank & Trust Company PRESENTS Omaha Street Percussion – details to be announced. Omaha Street Percussion exists to bring the art of percussion to the public in a way that is tangible, obtainable, and exciting; demonstrated in such a way that promotes education, mentorship, and performance. Omaha Street Percussion infuses drums and dance together to create an upbeat show that is guaranteed to get you clapping your hands and shaking your hips. Household items like pots, pans, buckets, and trash cans are used as instruments to help create an energizing and exhilarating experience that will be sure to get you up on your feet. Audience interaction and participation is a major part of the OSP performance experience. You will truly feel part of the show!
Originally constructed in 1891, the Opera House building housed three separate businesses on its first floor, each with street-level access until its renovation in 1997. The Kearney County Community Foundation acquired the building that year through generous bequests from the Estates of Vane and Alta Nied and Nels & Lucille Winther. Opting for a complete overhaul, the Foundation undertook a complete renovation, introducing a stunning stairway, Gift Shop, Art Gallery, and meeting rooms. The grand opening of the renovated Minden Opera House took place over Memorial Day weekend in 2000, celebrating its return to being a vibrant hub for the arts and events in South Central Nebraska.
The Nebraska Arts Council, a state agency, has supported this season through its matching grants program funded by the Nebraska Legislature, the National Endowment for the Arts and the Nebraska Cultural Endowment. Visit artscouncilnebraska.org for information on how the Nebraska Arts Council can assist your organization, or how you can support the Nebraska Cultural Endowment.